By Carol Kurtz The Kiwanis Aktion Club of North Myrtle Beach–Little River met on Wednesday, April 15, for a fun and meaningful afternoon learning the art of decoupage. Aktion Club members, adults with intellectual disabilities, transformed oyster shells into colorful keepsakes under the guidance of Kiwanis member Therease Metivier, alongside advisor Lee Gallowe. A special thank you to Tailgate Oyster Bar for generously donating the oyster shells and to Therease Metivier for providing all other supplies. In the spirit of service, several finished oyster shells were donated to seniors in North Myrtle Beach, sharing creativity and kindness throughout the community. …

By Ruben Lowman Grand Strand Health is entering the spring season with a renewed focus on both patient connection and community welfare across Horry County. As of last month, the medical center officially lifted its temporary age related visitation restrictions, which had been in place since early November to combat a surge in respiratory illnesses. For the first time in five months families in North Myrtle Beach and Little River can bring children under the age of twelve to visit loved ones in the hospital. Chief Operating Officer Lauren Davis noted that a significant decline in RSV and other respiratory …

By Tracy Stanton Ronald M. Fowler, a member of the McLeod Health Board of Trustees and previous Chairman of the Board, was presented The Order of the Palmetto, on Friday, May 1, 2026. The Honorable Kevin Hardee, South Carolina House of Representative for District 105, presented the honor alongside his wife, Tina Hardee, Horry County Auditor, and Dr. Tarek Bishara, Chairman of the McLeod Health Board of Trustees, on behalf of the Office of Governor Henry McMaster. Fowler received the highest civilian honor bestowed to a South Carolina citizen at a gathering of family, friends, and McLeod Health Board of …

Students from Grace Christian School celebrated an unforgettable evening at the 2026 prom themed “A Night in Paradise,” with a night full of elegance, fun and celebration. The evening began with students gathering around town to capture formal photos, creating lasting memories before the main event. Dressed in their finest attire, students arrived at 7 p.m. and were welcomed by tropical-themed music that set the tone for the paradise-inspired atmosphere. The venue was decorated to reflect the evening’s tropical theme, complete with several selfie photo stations where students could capture moments with friends and showcase their formal wear. Dinner was …

By Ruben Lowman Horry County officials officially tabled a proposed data center ordinance following a recently-held marathon Infrastructure and Regulation Committee meeting. Despite a push to get ahead of the artificial intelligence boom, the council ultimately decided that they simply do not have the technical expertise to regulate these “resource-consuming hubs” without further research. For residents in the more rural areas of Longs and Loris, who often find themselves on the front lines of industrial expansion, this pause offers a temporary reprieve from the uncertainty of massive computer warehouses moving into the backyard. Councilman Michael Masciarelli admitted that the field …

By Ruben Lowman In a landmark move that signals the rapid transformation of the Grand Strand, the Horry County Council gave first-reading approval recently to a fiscal year 2027 budget totaling $1.04 billion. This is the first time in the county’s history that the budget has breached the billion-dollar mark, representing a massive $172 million increase over the current year. For local residents, the most welcome news is that this record-breaking spending comes without a proposed property tax increase, as the millage rate remains steady at 52.1 mils. County Administrator Barry Spivey noted that just 15 years ago, the budget …

By Bo Gilbert The 9th Annual Ocean Drive Beach Music Festival is set to bring a full day of live beach music, dancing, and good vibes to downtown North Myrtle Beach on Saturday, May 2, 2026. Gates open at 10 a.m. for this popular outdoor event, which takes place on the stage in the parking lot between Main Street and First Avenue South—within easy walking distance of the Ocean Drive Beach and Golf Resort and the iconic Ocean Drive area. This year’s lineup features three powerhouse acts known for delivering high-energy performances and Carolina beach music classics: Band of Oz …

By John Smithson You may not be a shagger or have mastered the steps that shag dancers perform, but after an hour parade down Main Street last Saturday, you have to admit that shaggers do have fun. Saturday’s Parade was the climactic event in a week-long celebration known as SOS Spring Safari. As usual, the Society of Shaggers or SOS put a lot of thought and effort into this spring’s parade. There were lots of Hall of Fame members saluted and floats from different shag clubs from all over the Carolinas. They were uniquely themed and populated by members who …

By Kathy Heagen The GFWC North Myrtle Beach Woman’s Club proudly presented a $50,000 donation to the Family Justice Center on Thursday, April 23, during a special check presentation to Executive Director Deidre Arabadjis. The funds will help build the playground area at the new Horry County Domestic Violence Shelter, the first shelter of its kind in Horry County. The shelter is scheduled to open some time in July. This meaningful contribution is the result of nearly six years of dedication and fundraising by club members. Through the club’s annual Domestic Violence Walk, Purses with Purpose and Christmas Candlelight Tour …

On Wednesday, April 22, 2026, the City of North Myrtle Beach announced that John Galganski has been named the next Fire Chief for the North Myrtle Beach Fire Department. Chief Galganski will become the Department’s eighth Fire Chief, effective May 16, 2026, following the retirement of current Fire Chief Billy Floyd, whose final day of service will be Friday, May 15, 2026. Chief Galganski expressed his appreciation for the opportunity, saying, “It is an honor to serve as Fire Chief for the City of North Myrtle Beach. I am grateful for the trust placed in me and privileged to lead …